Alashkert let victory slip against BKMA after leading 2-0

Alashkert dropped important points in the Armenian championship match against BKMA. Vahe Gevorgyan’s team was leading 2-0 by the 56th minute, but failed to hold on to the advantage and finished the match with a 2-2 draw.

Karen Nalbandyan and Momo Touré each scored, bringing their goal tallies in the current league campaign to 11. Those goals gave Alashkert a comfortable lead, but BKMA’s young team did not give up.

Late in the match, BKMA managed to rescue the game: Suren Kirakosyan scored in the 79th minute, and Petik Manukyan found the net three minutes later, in the 82nd minute. For 19-year-old winger Suren Kirakosyan, it was his first goal in the Armenian Premier League, while defender Petik Manukyan scored for the third time this season.

It should be noted that Alashkert finished the match with ten men.

This draw has seriously complicated Alashkert’s position. The team has effectively dropped out of the title race and significantly worsened its chances of fighting for a European competition spot.

Alashkert has three matches left before the end of the season — against Gandzasar, Van and Shirak. The schedule looks relatively favorable, and considering the head-to-head matches still to be played between the leaders, the team still retains its chances of reaching European competitions. However, Alashkert no longer has any room for error.

Top 5 of the Armenian Premier League:

1. Ararat-Armenia — 48 points, 22 matches
2. Urartu — 45 points, 23 matches
3. Pyunik — 44 points, 21 matches
4. Alashkert — 44 points, 24 matches
5. Noah — 42 points, 21 matches